China Stamp Values

In 1913 the Post Office of the newly established government of the Republic placed an order with Waterlow & Sons in London for a new set of definitive stamps. There were three basic designs for the new stamps: a junk (traditional Chinese ship) and railway train, representing Communications; a farmer reaping rice, representing Agriculture; and the Hall of Classics at Peking, representing Literature. These basic stamps designs would be in use until the 1930s. There were several reprints resulting in paper and design variations as well as surcharges and overprints.

The 1913 London printing was engraved and recess printed by Waterlow & Sons. There were 19 stamps in the series with values ranging from ½c to $10.00. The stamps were printed on white wove paper and the design measures 22mm x 26mm.

1925 3 cent Provisional

1927 Additional Junk

These prices for Chinese stamps are provided as a service to Hobbizine readers. They are derived from numerous sources such as dealer price lists, advertisements in philatelic publications, and public auction results. Use these values as a guideline for evaluating the reasonableness of dealer prices, setting up trades with other collectors, and estimating the worth of your collection. The value of an individual stamp is dependent on its centering and condition. Four prices are listed here for each stamp:

Used as Normally Collected

Used Exceptionally Fine

Mint as Normally Collected

Mint Exceptionally Fine

It is hoped that this range of prices will meet the needs of most collectors. However, a particularly nice example might sell for more than the amounts listed, while a particularly poor copy might be worth less.